VERNAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH | SENIOR MINISTER JOB APPLICATION

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VERNAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH  Church And Community Profile (Last Updated February 10, 2020)  Dear Applicant,

Thank you so much for your interest in applying for the Senior Minister position at Vernal Christian Church. We look forward to talking with you in the future, but first we would love to introduce ourselves as a church and the role of VCC in our community! VCC, as a church, is very passionate about helping people be all they can be in Christ – hence our mission statement “To Know Christ And Make Him Known.” We want to see people meet Jesus, become His disciples, make a decision to be a part of this fellowship of believers, and become actively involved in serving God’s Kingdom. We are a non-denominational church that belongs to the Restoration Movement of independent Christian churches.

In accomplishing our mission, our staff is comprised of a full-time Associate/Student Minister, a full-time Children’s Minister, a part-time Office Administrator, and a part-time Nursery/Pre-School Director. Serving alongside them, our church is governed by a team of 3 Elders who are responsible for the spiritual welfare of our congregation. We have a team of 9 Deacons who serve as leaders and helpers with over a dozen of our ministries. Our average attendance on a Sunday morning exceeds 200 adults, teens and children. Our Sunday Worship service includes contemporary Christian music and weekly communion, offering and invitation times.

The heartbeat of our congregation is for Missions and a love for outreach. We support (with prayer, finances, and physical presence) 16 mission partners in our community, our country and around the world. One of those missions is a private Christian Day School on our property that offers Preschool through 8th Grade classes for over one hundred students and their families. All of the buildings on our campus (including the school, our main worship building, and our children’s and teen’s buildings) were built debt-free and remain debt-free.

Vernal, as a city, is located in Northeast Utah, 3 hours from Salt Lake City, 2.5 hours from Grand Junction, CO and 90 minutes from Rock Springs, WY. Nestled in the heart of the Uintah Basin, Uintah County holds a population of 35,000 (with Vernal hosting 10,000). The area features mountains, rivers and reservoirs. Due to the surrounding nature, our residents generally embrace an active lifestyle of camping, hiking, fishing and other seasonal outdoor activities. Our primary industries are Oil and Natural Gas, Government Land Management and Travel and Tourism. [For a better look at our beautiful home, check out www.thisisvernal.com.]

Vernal, as a community, is predominantly LDS, with over 75% of our people affiliating with the Church of Jesus Christ- of Latter-Day Saints. With the fluctuating nature of our main industry of Oil and Natural Gas, our economy goes through seasons of being extremely busy or (as it currently is) economic depression. Although these two aspects may present to be challenging, VCC is well-known in the area for being a major help where help is needed. From individual cases of benevolence, to annual Back To School Drives and Winter Coat Drives, including our Food Pantry efforts and our Fall Harvest Party where we’ve seen crowds of 1,700 people, VCC is showing and showering the love of God to those nearest to us.

After 20 years of faithful service, our previous Senior Minister and his wife are stepping down to enjoy retirement. We are excited to see what God has in store for them and for us through our new Senior Minister.

If you are interested, more detailed information about VCC can be found on our website www.vernalchristianchurch.com, including Our History, Core Beliefs and Values, Vision, Ministries, Staff and Leadership Bios, and so much more! Thank you and we hope to see your application soon!

- VCC 2020 Transition Team

VERNAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH  Senior Minister Candidate Profile (Last Updated February 10, 2020)  Senior minister candidates for Vernal Christian Church should be of honorable character, exhibit a clear calling to pastoral ministry and have demonstrated leadership in a ministry setting. They should be an effective and inspiring preacher whose teaching is both Biblically and theologically sound. Sermons should be relevant to our daily lives and applicable to the context of our modern world. VCC desires a Senior Minister who leads by example, one whose spiritual, intellectual and social life is a source of inspiration.

We seek a Senior Minister whose leadership style empowers both the staff and congregation for mission and ministry. Our Senior Minister should be able to both nurture and challenge the congregation as together we seek God’s direction for our future. We desire a Senior Minister who will care for the congregation with compassion, responding to families in crisis in appropriate ways. Working together with the existing staff, the Senior Minister will seek to be constantly aware of significant needs of the congregation. The Senior Minister must be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality. With a servant’s heart, it will be important that our Senior Minister be able to relate with ease to everyone, both in the congregation and in the community.

Historically, we have been a missional church committed to community engagement, outreach to the marginalized, and mission opportunities locally and globally. We desire a Senior Minister whose involvement in the larger community will bear witness to God’s love, grace and mercy to the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Our Senior Minister should not fear change, but in a hopeful way, lead our congregation to be enthusiastic about a future we cannot yet see. We desire a Senior Minister who will be our friend, our leader and our partner on the journey of faith.

Characteristics & Qualifications 1. Exhibit a deep and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, being unashamed to preach, teach

and share the gospel. 2. Uphold the scriptural qualifications of a minister as found in 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. 3. Be committed to and promote the mission, vision and ministry of VCC. 4. Affirm the doctrine, faith, and practice of the New Testament Church as demonstrated by the

Independent Christian Church and Restoration Movement. 5. Provide strong recommendations and references, as well as possess a personal background that

reflects strong moral and ethical character. 6. Effectively serve, lead, communicate with and shepherd the staff and congregation. 7. Demonstrate a genuine love for people and have a Christ-like concern for their spiritual, mental and

emotional health.

Education & Experience 1. Have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Christian church-affiliated Bible college, University or

Seminary. [Candidate holding a Master’s Degree in a ministry-related field is preferred.] 2. Be an Ordained Minister, set apart for the ministry by another independent Christian Church. 3. Preferably have served a congregation with an average attendance of 250 or more as a Senior Minister

or Associate Minister for a minimum of 5 years. [Candidate with 10+ years of experience in such a role is preferred.]

VERNAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH  Senior Minister Job Description (Last Updated February 10, 2020)  This position is determined to be full-time (approximately 50 hours a week), including Sunday ministry activities. The senior minister is expected to keep somewhat consistent office hours, however, the actual tasks will be considered flexible and fluid in any week’s time schedule.

Preaching & Worship - Tasks/Responsibilities 1. Develop and maintain a well-planned and coordinated preaching schedule. 2. Communicate the theme and direction of the message to worship leader. 3. Study and prepare for the weekly message using a variety of tools, committing each message to prayer

as an integral part of the process. 4. Be ultimately responsible for all public worship services (overseeing music, communion, offering,

announcements, special presentations, in addition to the message). 5. Enlist replacement preachers, with the approval of the elders for messages in the Senior Minister’s

absence. 6. Recommend guest speakers (visiting missionaries, revival speakers, etc.) for elder approval to preach

or to bring mission updates. 7. Be available to speak in chapels at Uintah Basin Christian Academy throughout the school year as

available and as invited by the UBCA administrator.

Teaching - Tasks/Responsibilities 1. Teach a weekly adult Sunday School class. 2. Enlist and train Life Group leaders to be effective in smaller group or class settings. 3. Review, suggest and oversee the securing of curriculum as requested by Life Groups and adult Sunday

School for the effective teaching of adults. 4. Lead Meaning of Membership classes for new members of Vernal Christian Church. 5. Lead discipleship seminars for new members, addressing areas important to personal spiritual growth,

including but not limited to: Prayer, Bible Reading, Fellowship and Giving. 6. Recommend and facilitate the training of elders and deacons.

Shepherding - Tasks/Responsibilities 1. In conjunction with the elders, develop, supervise and maintain a shepherding program. Make certain

that every member of VCC is assigned to a Shepherding Flock. 2. Personally demonstrate an active concern for the care and feeding of the congregation. 3. Provide pastoral counseling as sought by congregation members, continually being aware of referral

resources available and willing to direct individuals for more effective counseling when needed. 4. In conjunction with the elders, take the lead in hospital visitations, bereavement follow-up, and make

shut-in visitations. 5. Officiate funerals and weddings, as requested. 6. Conduct or refer premarital counseling prior to performing any wedding.

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Outreach - Tasks/Responsibilities 1. Coordinate and administer all outreach efforts of the church, including first-time guest follow-up and

welcome communications. 2. Organize special outreach events such as revivals, Resurrection Sunday/Christmas Eve services, etc.. 3. Coordinate advertising for the church’s ministries, as well as special event notification. 4. Be actively involved in both the neighborhood and community in order to connect folks with VCC in a

secondary way. 5. Provide encouragement and assistance to evangelical congregations as possible and seek to promote

a spirit of unity and brotherhood.

Vision & Planning - Tasks/Responsibilities 1. With the elders, develop and implement a vision for the future of VCC, through prayer, discussion, and

on-going examination of existing programs. 2. Attend workshops and conventions to initiate or advance ministry areas. 3. Encourage elders and ministry leaders to review such opportunities for the purpose of a shared vision.

General Ministry - Tasks/Responsibilities 1. Administer the day-to-day activities of the church, including supervision of support staff. 2. Conduct weekly ministerial staff meetings. 3. Review all church publications. 4. Serve as an advisory member of all ministry teams. 5. Attend Board of Ministries Meetings and report on activities, plans and needs. The Senior Minister shall

prepare an agenda for said meeting, and make it available to all members of the Board of Ministries. 6. In conversation with the Elder Chairman prepare an agenda and attend Elder Meetings. 7. In conjunction with the elders, participate in annual performance reviews of the staff. 8. Help in creating the budget and function within the approved budget areas, as proposed by the church

leadership and approved by the congregation. 9. Generally support and attend ministry events as a leader and a member of the congregation.

Accountability This position will be responsible to the Elders of VCC. Key to the relationships established is a mutual respect for each other’s particular “S.H.A.P.E.” (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experience), and what God wants to do through each person, helping foster the climate of a team of servant leaders.

An annual written evaluation will be conducted by the elders alongside a self-reflective evaluation. The basis for these evaluations shall generally be the points of this ministry description, in addition to consideration of personal spiritual and habitual qualities reflected in the carrying out of ministry responsibilities. Those observations will celebrate the strengths of the ministry and determine areas where improvement would be beneficial. Informal follow-up will be conducted by an elder to assure progress in improvement areas.

Benefits 1. This position is deemed by VCC as a full-time ministry position. Salary will be established formally

based on the ministry experience and educational background by the elders. This will be evaluated annually as well as health insurance benefits, vacation/sick days, convention expenses, and reimbursement for ministry expenses.

2. As a minister of Vernal Christian Church, the elders will approve an appropriate housing allowance as submitted by the Senior Minister, in accordance with IRS guidelines.

VERNAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH  Statement Of Faith (Last Updated February 10, 2020)  [Read through the following list of our beliefs as a body of Christian believers that we call “The Essentials”, and understand that if you were to be hired on staff at VCC you would be required to sign this statement of beliefs and be held accountable to it in your preaching and teaching of God’s Word.] We Believe That God Is The Creator and Ruler of The Universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities                      - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Gen 1:1, 26,27; Psa 90:2; Matt 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Cor 13:14)

We Believe That Jesus Christ Is The Son of God, Co-Equal With The Father and The Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a                                  sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after 3 days to demonstrate His power over sin and earth. He ascended to Heaven’s Glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matt 1:22,23; Isa 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Heb 4:14; 1 Cor 15:3,4; Rom 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim 6:14; Titus 2:13)

We Believe That The Holy Spirit Is Co-Equal With The Father and The Son of God. He is present in the world                              to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Cor 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 2:12, 3:16; Eph 1:13, 5:18; Gal 5:25)

We Believe That The Bible Is God’s Word To Us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural                  guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. We believe the Bible is the only inspired, infallible, authoritative, and inerrant Word of God. (2 Tim 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psa 12:6; 119:105, 160; Prov 30:5)

We Believe That, As Humans, We Are A People Made In The Spiritual Image of God and To Be Like Him In                                           Character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life. (Gen 1:27; Psa 8:3-6; Isa 53:6; 59:1-2; Rom 3:23)

We Believe That Salvation Is God’s Free Gift To Us, But We Must Accept It. We can never make up for our                              sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trust in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life on God’s terms. (Rom 5:1,6:23; Eph 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Gal 3:26)

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We Practice Baptism By Immersion Under Water – The Way Jesus Was Baptized. (Matt 3:16) The way it was                          practiced in the New Testament Church (entire book of Acts; 8:38-39; 22:16, et al) and the way the Bible commands. (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:38) We understand it to be done by one responding to the grace of God in their life, who believes Jesus is their only Savior, takes Him as the Lord of their life, commits to turning from selfish personal ways and following Him. It is done as a clear identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, by one who understands the richness of that truth and desires to be called a disciple of Christ. (Rom 6:1-4; Gal 3:27; I Peter 3:21)

We Believe That Eternity Is Real. People Were Created To Live Forever. We will either exist eternally                      separated from God by our sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; 14:17; Rom 6:23; 8:17-18; Rev 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9)

We DO NOT Believe We Are the Only Christians, But “Christians Only”. “Christian” is the only name we wish to go by. When Jesus prayed, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us” (John 17:21, NIV), He had the church in mind. In the spirit of His prayer we seek unity with all others in Christ. Obviously that desire is difficult to achieve, but God desires unity, so it must be possible. We are a Christian church with our only message being, “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God”. We require no other creed. He alone is Lord and Savior. The church belongs to Him. We have no authority to change the teachings, rewrite the rules, alter membership requirements or usurp His place. I hereby acknowledge, understand and accept the above statements as statements of my own personal faith in Jesus Christ.

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VERNAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH | CONTACT PAGE

OUR M ISSION: TO KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN. OUR VISION: ENGAGE, INFLUENCE, IMPACT AND TRANSFORM LIVES FOR CHRIST. If you believe that serving at Vernal Christian Church as our next Senior Minister could be a possibility for your future in God’s Kingdom, please send your resume and a list of at least three references to: vernalchristianchurch@gmail.com. Thank you for your interest in serving our congregation! We will get in touch with you as soon as we hear from you. God bless! - VCC 2020 Transition Team